UToday

Filmmaker Peter Byck interviewing Ronald Eastman during production of Carbon Nation. Photo courtesy of Peter ByckThe director of Carbon Nation, a feature length documentary about climate change solutions, was on campus for a screening and special question and answer session earlier this week.

Peter Byck says he first became aware of climate change in 2006 and immediately wanted to know whether there were solutions. Along with a team of people, he set out to find innovators and entrepreneurs who were laying the groundwork for a clean energy future.

His compelling and relevant film illustrates how solutions to climate change also address other social, economic and national security issues.

Mid-way through production, the team met Bernie Karl, an Alaskan geothermal pioneer who didn’t think humans were the cause of climate change. It was a light-bulb moment. People don’t have to believe in climate science to still want clean air and clean water.

“Carbon Nation documents optimistic approaches to the issue of climate change, providing a range of viewpoints on the subject. It is important to get beyond divisive debates, and find innovative solutions,” says environmental design Professor Graham Livesey.

In filming the documentary, Byck interviews radicals, utility CEOs, airlines execs and wonky economists—and they all agree that using as little energy as possible and making clean energy are important goals; whether for solutions to climate change, national or energy security or public health.

Carbon Nation introduces the audience to entertaining and endearing characters, including entrepreneurs, visionaries, scientists, business, and the everyday man, all making a difference and working towards solving climate change.

Sponsored by DIRTT Environmental Solutions, Peter Byck was on campus Feb. 29 at the Faculty of Environmental (EVDS) for the presentation.

EVDS is a professional faculty, founded on an overarching commitment to the integration of design, ecology and culture in the making and managing of meaningful and functional human and bio-social environments.